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| Title: | The Curse of Addy McMahon |
| Author: | Katie Davis |
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| Description: |
Addy believes her Grandmother when she claims the "family curse" has been lurking for generations. How else can she explain losing her father to cancer, having to get along with her mom's new "houseguest," Jonathan, losing her best friend to an e-mail mistake and being singled out as the most hated girl in the sixth grade? Addy wants to be a published writer and is already on her way with the school's monthly newspaper. Disturbed by her mother's impending second marriage, Addy reflects on life through her graphic "autobiogra-strip" that is woven through the novel, telling her story in a sardonic and somewhat fatalistic voice. Yet she remains determined to mend a broken friendship and learns to accept life's challenges for what they are-not curses, but realities she can work through on her way to new successes. |
| Reviews & Excerpts |
| Davis melds typical tween social dilemmas with the consequences of terminal illness and a child's privately painful grief. A well-crafted view of a child's inner struggles and emotional growth. - Kirkus Reviews This was an honest, pure story coming straight from Addy's heart. I wouldn't be surprised if the author, Katie Davis, just stole a (very literate) 12-year-old's journal and published it as fiction. It was that genuine. She mixed a brilliant combination of childhood angst with lighthearted humor to form a lovable story that will quickly capture the hearts of readers. -- thepageflipper.blogspot.com Addy McMahon's life goes from bad to worse. The only thing that keeps her going is her autobiograstrip--a journal in comic book format. That is until a mistake costs her best friend Jackie. Oh, why did her great-grandad chop down that fairy tree near Latoon, Ireland? That's when all the bad luck started. She can prove she's cursed--her mom's annoying boyfriend moves into the guest room, and she's spotted buying a training bra by the meanest and most popular girl at school. As if sixth grade isn't bad enough! How can Addy break the curse and win back Jackie's friendship? Oh, and it would be great for the Dweeb to move out too. I LOVED this book! The whole premise of a sixth grader writing her diary in a comic book format is unique. I love how the author wove in bits and pieces of the autobiograstrip in the story. The voice is fresh and exciting. I didn't want this story to end. Is there a sequel in the works? I'd love to see the future adventures of Addy. I know readers will too. This is sure to be a winner! Oh, an added treat is in the back on the process it took for this book to be completed. From June 15, 1999 when the author had the idea until now. She shows those who helped her along the way. This is all done in graphic book format. Both fellow writers and readers will enjoy this glimpse into the whole writing process. - http://kbaccellia.livejournal.com/210071.html |